Massive protests have erupted in Ladakh following the detention of renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 30. Wangchuk, along with other volunteers, was undertaking a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the central government to resume dialogue with Ladakh's leadership. The protesters demand inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant local populations law-making powers to protect their land and cultural identity. The Delhi police detained Wangchuk and many supporters at the Singhu border, igniting outrage across the region. In response, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Apex Body, Leh, have called for a bandh across Ladakh, mobilizing widespread support for their cause. The protests underscore the deep-rooted concerns of Ladakhis regarding their rights and governance, reflecting a strong desire for autonomy and protection of their unique cultural heritage.
01 October,2024 05:19 PM IST
On August 26, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This significant move aims to enhance governance and ensure that developmental benefits reach the region’s diverse and remote areas more effectively. Home Minister Amit Shah shared the news on X, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering regional progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the new districts are crucial for improving governance and driving prosperity in Ladakh. Former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also expressed support for PM Modi’s vision, acknowledging the positive impact of this administrative restructuring. The creation of these districts is expected to bring essential services closer to the people, thereby contributing to Ladakh’s overall development and well-being.
26 August,2024 05:40 PM IST
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) made a significant seizure on July 9, 2024, near the India-China border in Eastern Ladakh, confiscating 108 gold bars weighing 108.060 kg and apprehending two individuals. The operation took place during a proactive long-range patrolling mission conducted by the ITBP's 21st Battalion in the southern subsector. Areas covered included Chismule, Narbula Top, Zakle, and Zakla, known for heightened summer activities and potential smuggling attempts. The patrol aimed to thwart infiltration and monitor border security, responding to specific intelligence about smuggling activities near Sirigaple, Ladakh. This enforcement action underscores the ITBP's vigilance in safeguarding sensitive border regions, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations to prevent illicit cross-border activities. The arrests and seizure of substantial quantities of gold highlight ongoing efforts to maintain border integrity and combat organized smuggling networks operating in the region
11 July,2024 01:30 PM IST
On 26th of March, engineer turned education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who was on fast over several demands, ended his 21-day ‘Climate Fast’. Hundreds of people joined Wangchuk in Leh as he ended his fast. The climate activist and his supporters have demanded statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The educator accused the BJP government of backtracking from its promise of extending safeguards guaranteed under the sixth schedule of the Constitution to Ladakh. On tuesday, 26th of March ending his fast, Sonam Wangchuk reminded the people ballot power and urged them to use it very carefully in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.
27 March,2024 11:54 AM IST
In a major step to boost the defence infrastructure in high altitude areas, BRO set to construct the world’s highest fighter airfield in the Nyoma region of Eastern Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield virtually on Sept 12. The world’s highest airfields will boost air infrastructure and would prove to be a ‘game-changer’ for the Armed Forces. Centre is proactively working towards developing infrastructure along the 3,488 Km stretch of the LAC. Earlier, BRO chief Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry said that India will beat China in the next two to three years. Comparing the ruling dispensation with the previous governments regarding infrastructure development along borders, BRO chief stated, “Present govt has changed this thinking, policy and is supporting us with a budget” Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also inaugurated 90 infrastructure projects carried out by BRO in Samba district of J&K.
13 September,2023 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Ladakh talked about Chinese intrusion in the area and said as per locals China has entered in the area and have taken away their grazing land. He said, “Here, the concern is of course China has taken away the land...people have said that China's army has entered the area and their grazing land was taken away but PM said that not an inch of land was taken away, but this is not true, you can ask anyone here.”
20 August,2023 01:21 PM IST
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi embarked on a bike ride to Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh on Saturday, where he would stay overnight in a tourist camp. According to party sources, Rahul will celebrate his father and former PM Rajiv Gandhi's birthday on August 20 at Pangong Lake. Gandhi, during his maiden visit to Ladakh on Friday, held an interactive session with over 500 youth in Leh. The Congress leader arrived in Leh on Thursday on a two-day visit to the region. However, his tour has been extended till August 25.
19 August,2023 05:52 PM IST | Mumbai
India has introduced an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to address potential threats from the dual front. The Tridents squadron, now dubbed the 'Defender of the North,' has taken the place of the MiG-21 squadron. MiG-21 was traditionally responsible for countering the Pakistani threat at the Srinagar air base. The enhanced MiG-29s offer numerous advantages over the MiG-21s, which effectively safeguarded the Kashmir valley for an extended period. After undergoing upgrades, the MiG-29s now boast extended-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry.
12 August,2023 01:24 PM IST | Mumbai
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh. Tributes were paid to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. Army Chief General Manoj Pande laid a wreath at the War Memorial. Other than him, Indian Navy Chief R Hari Kumar also paid homage to the soldiers. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari paid tribute to the soldiers. Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan also laid wreath at the Kargil War Memorial. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reached Ladakh to pay homage to the soldiers who lost their lives. Lt Governor of Ladakh, BD Mishra also reached the War Memorial to pay homage to the soldiers. Kargil War was one of the toughest wars fought in the most inhospitable conditions, both due to its geographical and climatic conditions. During the war, the Indian Army recaptured the strategic peaks of Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875, among others.
26 July,2023 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai
The standoff between India-China along the northern borders shows no sign of dying down anytime soon. During the 2020 standoff, both countries were almost on the verge of war and had deployed their heavy weaponry along LAC. India had deployed its recently inducted multirole fighter aircraft Rafale, aka the ‘Golden Arrow’ in the high-altitude region. IAF’s first and only female Rafale fighter pilot, Fl Lt Shivangi Singh praised the performance of her aircraft in the high-altitude area. Singh represented the Indian Air Force in the exercise Orion in France, where forces from many other major countries also participated. Speaking about the exercise, she said, "It was a great experience where I got an opportunity to meet the fighter pilots of different countries." Commissioned in 2017 in the second batch of women fighter pilots, Singh became the first female Rafale fighter aircraft.
27 May,2023 01:35 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
